Hook Island Lodge Sold to Leading Sydney F&B Operator

Hook Island Lodge in the heart of the Whitsundays has been acquired by Sydney hospitality mogul Glenn Piper of Meridian Australia.

It marks the third hospitality asset to be acquired by Mr Piper in recent months, following his purchase of Newcastle’s Beach Hotel in Merewether and the leasehold of the iconic Q Station Hotel on Sydney’s North Head.

The sales of the Q Station and Hook Island Lodge, which entails the leasehold in perpetuity, were both brokered by CBRE Hotels.

“The Whitsundays is one of the most naturally stunning and diverse tourism destinations in the world and we are thrilled to secure a landmark position in the heart of it on Hook Island,” Mr Piper said.

Hook Island is one of Whitsunday Island’s crown jewels, with 58 square kilometres of unhindered landscapes in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Located on the south-eastern side of the uninhabited and stunning Hook Island, the exclusive 9.3ha site offers two private beaches, more than 1km of water frontage and sweeping views of Hook Passage and the Great Barrier Reef.

“There’s nothing quite like it. Very few locations in the world can offer this level of natural wonder. I want to create an experience that befits the beauty of the island and the Whitsundays - respectfully and sustainably. I’m energised at the thought of creating a world class hospitality experience for this slice of paradise,” Mr Piper said

Hook Island Lodge was offered for sale by Expressions of Interest, managed by CBRE Hotels Director Tom Gibson.

“The fact that Hook Island Lodge went under offer in the very first week of a public Expressions of Interest process, highlights the confidence experienced operators have in our tourism market,” said Mr Gibson.

“We received in excess of 150 enquiries through the process from a range of well-known investors, including major international F&B players, as well as ultra-high net worth individuals.

“Queensland, and more specifically the Whitsunday Islands, has witnessed record hospitality and tourism investment in recent years, marking it as one of the most resilient markets through the pandemic and positioning it perfectly to capture to resurgent international inbound market.”

The sale of Hook Island Lodge follows a series of transactions by CBRE Hotels, including the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Campbell5 Hotel in Canberra, Q Station and The Tasman Hotel in Hobart.

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